About the song
Herman’s Hermits’ “No Milk Today” is more than just a catchy pop tune; it’s a poignant reflection on the bittersweet end of a relationship. Released in 1966, the song’s simple yet evocative lyrics resonated with audiences around the world, making it a timeless classic.
At its core, “No Milk Today” is a tale of heartbreak disguised as a mundane household chore. The protagonist, faced with the daily reminder of his lost love through the “no milk today” sign, is forced to confront the emptiness of his life without her. The song’s melancholic melody and introspective lyrics capture the raw emotions of grief and loss, making it a relatable experience for listeners of all ages.
While the song’s subject matter may seem ordinary, Gouldman’s songwriting prowess elevates it to a higher level. The contrast between the upbeat chorus and the downcast verses creates a dynamic and emotionally charged listening experience. The addition of strings and chimes adds depth and richness to the arrangement, further enhancing the song’s impact.
“No Milk Today” is a testament to the enduring power of music to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level. Its relatable themes and timeless melody have ensured its place in the pop music canon, making it a must-listen for fans of classic rock and pop.
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Lyrics
No milk today, my love has gone away
The bottle stands for lorn, a symbol of the dawn
No milk today, it seems a common sight
But people passing by don’t know the reason why
How could they know just what this message means?
The end of my hopes, the end of all my dreams
How could they know the palace there had been
Behind the door where my love reigned as queen?
No milk today, it wasn’t always so
The company was gay, we’d turn night into day
But all that’s left is a place dark and lonely
A terraced house in a mean street back of town
Becomes a shrine when I think of you only
Just two up two down
No milk today, it wasn’t always so
The company was gay, we’d turn night into day
As music played the faster did we dance
We felt it both at once, the start of our romance
How could they know just what this message means
The end of my hopes, the end of all my dreams
How could they know a palace there had been
Behind the door where my love reigned as queen?
No milk today, my love has gone away
The bottle stands for love, a symbol of the dawn
But all that’s left is a place dark and lonely
A terraced house in a mean street back of town
Becomes a shrine when I think of you only
Just two up two down
No milk today, my love has gone away
The bottle stands for love, a symbol of the dawn
No milk today, it seems a common sight
But people passing by don’t know the reason why
How could they know just what this message means
The end of my hopes, the end of all my dreams
How could they know a palace there had been
Behind the door where my love reigned as queen?
No milk today, it wasn’t always so
The company was gay, we’d turn night into day
But all that’s left is a place dark and lonely
A terraced house in a mean street back of town
Oh, all that’s left is a place dark and lonely
A terraced house in a mean street back of town
Oh, all that’s left is a place dark and lonely
A terraced house in a mean street back of town